New York Criminal Defense Attorney

Arraignments

In New York, the criminal procedure includes an arraignment.  This is a court hearing in which you are formally charged with the crime.  If you have been in jail after your arrest, this most usually occurs within 72 hours of your arrest.  This is an important hearing for your future, as this is when you can make your plea, and it is when bail is set.  It serves your best interests to have a New York criminal defense attorney representing you at the arraignment.  As a criminal defense lawyer from the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro is very familiar with arraignments as well as how to negotiate for the client’s bail, the likelihood of being able to leave the courtroom on your own recognizance or with a lower bail amount is increased. 

Criminal Defense Lawyer in New York

At the arraignment, you will be making your plea.  There are four options for your plea in New York.  You can plead guilty, which essentially means that you are admitting that are the person who committed the crime.   A “not guilty” plea is when you deny that you did the crime.  If you plead “not guilty”, a trial date will be set at the time of the arraignment.  A “no contest” plea indicates that you do not admit or deny that you committed the crime, but are not disputing the charge.  This plea can be helpful in avoiding civil suits later and this plea is advised under certain circumstances.  In New York, you have a fourth option, which is called “stand mute”.  This is when you refuse to say anything at all, and a “not guilty” plea is then entered on your behalf.  This plea can be useful if you plan on challenging the proceedings against you up to that point.

Whatever the circumstances are in your case, it is strongly advised that you immediately contact the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro if you have been arrested for a crime.  An experienced criminal defense attorney from the firm will represent you at your arraignment and will advise you on the legal options in your plea, as well as fight for you to be released on your own recognizance.  The arraignment is not a trial, but it is an important part of your criminal charges and the beginning of the court procedure.  You want to have powerful legal representation from the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro representing you at the arraignment, and advising you from the time of your arrest.

Contact a New York Criminal Defense Attorney from the Law Offices of Michael S. Discioarro if you have been arrested for a crime and are seeking powerful legal representation.